Overview

• In Mysuru, Abhimanyu carried the 750‑kg golden howdah from the Palace to Bannimantap in a two‑hour march that began at 4.40 p.m. on Vijayadashami.
• In Shivamogga, Sagar bore a roughly 450‑kg howdah with the Chamundeshwari idol on a route from Shivappa Nayaka Palace to Allama Prabhu Park.
• Lakhs of spectators lined the routes, with many reserving vantage spots for hours, and Palace entry in Mysuru was limited to pass and Gold Card holders with security screening.
• Artists completed overnight decorations, with Nagalingappa Badiger’s team painting 14 Mysuru elephants using water colours and Jeevan adorning Sagar, Bahaddur and Balanna in Shivamogga.
• Police and forest teams managed crowd and animal safety with mahouts, caretakers and darting units on standby as dignitaries including Chief Minister Siddaramaiah performed flower offerings.